Safety-convenience device for a carrying case



G. WISE March 5, 1957 SAFETY-CONVENIENCE DEVICE FOR A CARRYING CASE Filed April '7, 1954 IN VEN TOR. @01265 ll//JE l,/////////Il `lla r Uted States Patent SAFETY-CONVENIENCE DEVICE FOR A CARRYING CASE George Wise, Washington, D. C.

Application April 7, 1954, Serial No. 421,545

8 Claims. (Cl. 224-26) My invention relates to novel means of supporting commonly used objects that are carried about ones person and of clamping and fastening such` objects to another object by the use of my novel means of attachment so as to relieve ones hands for other purposes. My invention is particularly adapted for use with carrying cases such as ladies pocketbooks and the like, vanity cases and the like and for use with other commonly used objects that under certain circumstances are most conveniently and best utilized by attachment to ones wearing apparel. My present invention serves as a safety device for pocketbooks and the like and as a relieving means from many embarrassing and uncomfortable situations that frequently occur when commonly used objects are improperly placed.

My invention has for one of its objects to provide a device of the character herein described which will permit a carrying case to be attached to ones apparel so as to and gloves, so that they can readily be reached for use without the necessity of opening the pocketbook.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enclosing case for various types of attaching means such as clamps, clasps, hooks, fasteners and the like and for small items such as manicure tools, or small pen and pencil, needle, cotton, stamps, small bottles to hold pills or medicinals, etc., so that they will not be scattered loosely in every part of a carrying case such as a pocketbook, etc., but will be handy in one place when needed for use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a comparatively cheap item, with a wide choice of selection to the public, of the character herein described which can be manufactured and sold separately from a carrying case and later attached to it as well as be manufactured and sold integral with a carrying case if sodesired.

Another object of this invention is to provide various Y alternate means for attaching articles to wearing apparel whereby the safest and best method can be chosen for use without tearing or marring the clothing and whereby,

when certain conditions demand it such as choosing the proper attaching means for a heavily weighted pocketbook,

provision is available in the form of ay clamping device to fasten such pocketbook to an object other than the wearing apparel.

Another object of this invention is to provide more than one attaching means to be used simultaneously so that any undue weight of the object to be supported will be distributed more evenly and thus minimize the possibility Vof tearing or marring the wearing apparel.

Another object of this invention is to, provide the clamps, clasps, hooks and the like with a safe, protective e 2 material or covering, Where they come in contact with wearing apparel.

Another object of this invention is to provide it with a safety feature that will prevent the object that is being fastened, clamped or hooked to another object, from being lost or stolen.

Another object of this invention vis to provide more comfort and convenience to a person, as well` as protection from the elements both in summer and winter, by freeing ones arms from holding objects that can just aswell be held and fastened to another object or to ones apparel by means of this novel device acting as an extra hand.

Still another object of this invention is to provide various combinations and arrangements of attaching means so that they consumeras little space as possible and can be utilized with a great degree of flexibility for various purposes either in folded or unfolded conditions.

Other objects will appear -as the description of the invention proceeds.

Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein the Same parts have corresponding reference characters in the several gures,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a typical use of my invention. Fig. 2 is a pictorial view of my invention ready for attachment on ones person.

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3--3 on Figure 2 but ,with lid in closed position.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of another embodiment `of the invention.

l Fig. 5 is a view of a clamping device in open condition, in the form of a plate and rod combination, showing how it acts as a clamp to a table top or the like.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing another attaching means of this invention. V

Fig. 7 is a view of the clamping device in folded condition.

Referring to the views in detail, it will be seen in Figures l and 2 that pocketbook 1 has its strap handle 2 fastened to folder case 3 by rivet 4 consisting of tubular .shank and screw head. It is to be expressly understood, however, that any other fastening means, such as a snap fastener, can be used in lieu of rivet 4 to fasten folder case 3 to strap handle 2. Snap fastener 5 is used to open -and close said folder case 3 which houses two alternate types of attaching means and their respective chains 6. In Fig. 2, on its left lower side, is seen one type'of attaching means in the form of a spring clamp with its component parts 9, 10 and 11 fastened, at ring 7 and its detaching means 8, to one end of chain 6 which chain in turn is fastened on its other end to said case 3 by said rivet 4. In same Fig. 2, on its right upper side, is seen another type of attaching means in the form of a clamping device in unfolded condition comprised of component parts 7, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18 and 22 fastened. to one endof another chain 6 at ring 7 which chain in turn is fastened on its other end to said case 3 by saidsame rivet 4 which fastens said spring clamp previously mentioned. Said spring clamp is comprised of. holding device 9, grippers 10 with or without a protective covering depending upon what kind of material the grippers are made of, and spring arms 11. Said clamping device is comprised of spring ring 7, spring clasp 12, rod 13, arm'14, pivot 15, plate 16, pivot 17, spring arm keeper18 and stop 22.

Figure 3 shows chains 6 in folded condition within closed folder case 3. It will be seen that each chain has one end fastened to the folder case and str-ap handle at a common point by rivet 4.

Figure 4 illustrates another form of my invention wherein spring clamp is comprised of springV arms 11, grippers10 and holding device 9 having spring hook 19 and spring fastener 20 on its opposite sides to serve various other purposes. While holding device 9 is shown round in shape, it may be square, rectangular or` any other form. Likewise, the entire spring clamp 9, 1% and 11, with or without spring hook 19 and spring fastener- ,20, can be any type and shape of spring clamp known in the art. This novel spring clamp 9, 1i), 11, 19 and 219 is Yseen fastened directly to one end of folder case 3 at ring 7 by rivet 4 at the same ,location where key 21, ring 7 and chain 6 are fastened. However, said novel clamp can alsov be fastened to folder Icase 3 via a separate chain 6. It is to be understood that any number vof keys can be used and housed within the folder case or in lieu thereof, any other handy tools or articles that a person may choose to carry around with him, such as small manicuretools or small pen and pencil, pad of paper, needle, cotton, stamps, etc.,'

or small bottles -for pills, -medicinals, etc., can be used either with or without a key or keys. .On the other end of folder case 3 is seen another chain 6 fastened on one of its ends to folder case 3 at ring 7 by another rivet 4 and on its other end fastened to a belt by spring clasp 12 having ring 7 and detaching means 8; While this chain is shown hooked to a belt, it is also intended to be hooked to an inside pocket like on amans pants, to an outside pocket like on an overcoat, or to any other convenient part of ones apparel. Also, while key 21 and spring clamps V9, 10, 11, 19 and 20 are shown fastened to the folder case at one common point, each may be fastened to the folder case at different places and as many rivets 4 and as many items as one desires, can be used to be fastened to and enclosed within the folder case. Further, in lieu of spring clasp 12, shown fastened tothe belt, spring Vhook 19 or spring fastener 26 may be used to serve other purposes. u

Figure 5 shows novel clamping device 7, 12, 13, 14, 15,

V16, 17, 18 and 22'in open operative position as it is clamped to a table top or the like on one end andas it supports pocketbook' 1 from chain 6 on its other end. In this view vis also seen auxiliary chain 6 fastened to the clamping device at ring 7. This chain d which has spring clasp 12 on its other end for fastening to any convenient part of the ladys Wearing apparel acts as a safety device for she will feel an instant pull in the event she should forget to pick her pocketbook up upon leaving or in the event some one else should attempt to take her pocketbook away. This safety device operates as effectively in an alternate way by having auxiliary chain 6 fastened on one end directly to the pocketbook by the use of any of the attaching means heretofore already described and by having spring clasp 12 on the other end of chain 6 fastened to any convenient part of the ladys wearing apparel sim ilar to the first method previously described. In still another way of operating as a safety device, auxiliary chain 6' can be fastened on one end to another clasp or hook and on its other end to clasp 12 on the clamping device in open position as shown in Fig. 5, in lieu of being fastened to ring 7 as shown. It will be observed that this novel clamping device shown in Figure 5 includes spring clasp 12, to be described in the next paragraph. However, it should now be noted that said spring clasp 12 is herein included in order to permit this novel clamping device to also act as a clasping device, when in folded position as shown in Figure 7, when it is found advantageous to employ only one attaching means. Further, it is to be understood that spring clasp 12 can also be omitted, if so desired.

Figure 6 shows another type of attaching means in the form of a spring clasp 12 which can be used independently, in lieu of, or in combination with any of the other types of attaching means already described. In Figure 1, spring clasp 12 is shown being used independently to hook the pocketbook to the ladys belt. in same Figure 1, spring clasp 12 can be substituted under favorable conditions in lieu of spring clamp 9, vto clasp the pocketbook tothe lapel of a ladys garment. In Figures 2 and 4, spring clasp 12 can be used in combination with tie spring clamp when more than one object is to be fastened and where a spring clasp type is best suited. It is to be understood that these are but a few examples and that other uses, substitutions and combinations are intended to be utilized.

Figure 7 shows the novel clamping device in folded condition so that it can readily be placed in folder case 3 into a minimum of space, when not in use. However, it is to be noted thatV this novel clamping device possesses a unique and very practical feature in that it can also be utilized as an attaching means in folded condition. Spring clasp 1.2, as shown in Figure 7, is so constructed and located as a component part of the clamping device that it can alternatively serve to clasp any desired object when said clamping device is in folded condition. For example, if, instead of as shown in Figure 1, it is desired to encase only the clamping device within the folder case, then component part, spring clasp 12, of the clamping device in folded condition, can be hooked to the ladys belt in order to support and hold the ladys pocketbook. Thus, it will be seen that this novel clamping device 7, 12, 13, 14, 1S, 16,17, 18 and 22 can be used to serve a dual purpose as a fastening means in folded condition and as a clamping device in unfolded condition. l While Figure l shows the folder case attached to the strap handle of pocketbook 1, it is to be expressly understood that said folder case can be attached to or made integral with any other convenient part of a carrying case such as a pocketbook, either on the inside or outside of said carrying case. Also, the attaching means for fastening` commonly used objects can, in many instances, be fastened directly to the carrying case without being enclosed within an enclosing case such as the folder case herein described. This is especially true in instances where only one or possibly two small types of attaching means are used such as a spring clasp or spring clamp which can readily be tied to or Wrapped around a strap handle and the like. Further, while chain 6 is shown throughout the various iigures on the drawing, it is intended that any of its equivalents such as a cord, tape, reel, etc., can be substituted. Also, while the present invention has been described and illustrated on the drawings with considerable detail particularly as applicable to a carrying case such as a ladys pocketbook, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is applicable to a variety of carrying cases and to many various commonly used objects too numerous to name. This invention is especially adaptable to traveling kits which in many instances can be fastened with great advantage and convenience to some fixture where one makes up or shaves daily, leaving 4the arms free for such purposes. This device can likewise be used with childrens school bags, lunch boxes, and with a great variety of other types of carrying cases used for other purposes.

In the operation and use of my invention, many alternative methods of application are available, making this device a very handy and useful article. A few of these applications and their advantages are as follows: As shown in Figure l, pocketbook 1 rests on a ladys lap and is prevented from falling by spring clasp 12 which is hooked on one end to the ladys belt and fastened on its other end to the pocketbook. As an added precaution when a moderately weighted pocketbook is used, spring clamp 9, 10, 11 is also fastened to the pocketbook on one end and clamped to the lapel of her wearing apparel on its other end. In a lightly weighted bag, only one of these fastening means is needed. The result is that `the ladys arms are free for any purpose such as dining, smoking, make-up, etc. without worrying where to put her bag when no other place is available, as is often thev case. Should the ladys bag be comparatively heavy, special clamping device 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 22 is used on one end to act as a clamp to a table top or the like and on its other end as a support for .the pocketbook from chain 6 as shown in Figure 5. Chain 6 acts as a safety device as previously described. Thus, again, the ladys pocketbook is placed in a convenient spot nearby, safe and secure from falling, from loss due to negligence or from theft and again her hands are free for other immediate purposes. Spring clamp 9, 10, 11 can also serve in a dual capacity as a glove holder while one travels and when it is not in use as a support for holding the pocketbook as described above. One or more keys can also be housed in the folder case in addition to the other attaching means and can very conveniently be reached for use when needed without opening the pocketbook. One further application is shown in Figure 4 wherein spring clamp 9, 19, 11, 19 and 20 can be fastened, for example, to a mans hat or a blanket or a program card while outdoors at a football game on a cold and windy -day and be able to keep his lhands warm in his pockets by attaching the other end of the folder case to his coat pocket or other part of his clothing. These are but a few examples of the usefulness and convenience of this novel device and of the simplicity with which it operates. There are many others too numerous to mention.

It will therefore be perceived that the present invention provides a handy unit that is capable of supporting commonly used objects and of clamping and fastening such objects to another object so as to relieve ones arms for other immediate purposes. It is readily associated with a great variety of staple commercial articles long known and used whose daily usefulness can be considerably enhanced by combination with this novel invention. It is comparatively small and unnoticed when not in use, yet adds great convenience and relief from many embarrassing and uncomfortable situations when most needed. it solves a very important and as yet unsolvable problem as witnessed daily by the fact that many restaurant owners are resorting to the use of hooks under their table tops in crowded dining rooms, to hold their customers pocketbooks, a practice that was never intended or in good taste.

Units embodying the present invention are simple and economical to produce because they can be fabricated by relatively unskilled labor. They can be sold either as a separate unit and attached to the owners pocketbook by various alternate types of fastening means already known in the art or they can be purchased integral with new pocketbooks, thus providing a wide choice of selection for the public.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A safety-convenience carrying case device comprising a carrying case, an enclosing case and a safety-convenience attaching means, said carrying case having means for attachment to said enclosing case, said enclosing case having mea-ns for attachment to said attaching means contained by said carrying case and means for attachment to said safety-convenience attaching means, said safety-convenience attaching means comprising two ends having connecting means between them, one of said ends comprising attaching means for attachment to said enclosing case, the other of said ends comprising terminal #attaching means for attachment to a support, said enclosing case having means for being opened and closed, said safety-convenience attaching means normally lying within said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in closed condition, said safetyconvenence attaching means being free to be moved out of said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in open condition so that said terminal attaching means can be attached to a support and hold said carrying case in a secure and convenient position.

2. A safety-convenience carrying case device comprising a carrying case, an enclosing case and a safety-convenience attaching means, said enclosing case being integral with .said carrying case, Said enclosing case having means'for attachment to said, safety-'convenience attaching means, said safety-convenience attaching means comprising two ends having connecting means between them, one of said ends comprising attachingy means for attachment to said enclosing case, the other of said ends compri-sing terminal attaching means for attachment to a support, said enclosing case having means for being opened and closed, said safety-convenience attaching means normally lying within said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in closed condition, saidV safetyconvenence attaching means being free to be moved-out of said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in open condition so that said terminal attaching means can be attached to a support and hold said carrying case in a secure and convenient position.

3. A safety-convenience carrying casedevice comprising a carrying case, an enclosing case and at least two independent safety-convenience attaching means, said carrying case having means for attachment to said enclosing case, said enclosing case having means for attachment to said attaching means contained by said carrying case and means for attachment to each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means, each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means comprising two ends having connecting means between them, one end of each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means comprising attaching means for attachment to said enclosing case, the other end of each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means comprising terminal attaching means for attachment to a support, said enclosing case having means for being opened and closed, each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means normally lying within said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in closed condition, each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means being free to be moved out of said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in open condition so that the terminal attaching means of one of said two independent safetyconvenience attaching means can be attached to a support and hold said carrying case securely at the same time that the terminal attaching means of the other of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means can be attached to another support and act as a safety feature in preventing loss of said carrying case from either theft or forgetfulness.

4. A safety-convenience carrying case device comprising a carrying case, an enclosing case and at leastl two independent safety-convenience attaching means, said enclosing case being integral with said carrying case, said enclosing case having means for attachment to each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means, each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means comprising two ends having connecting means between them, one end of each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means comprising attaching means for attachment to said enclosing case, the other end of each of said two independent safetyconvenience attaching means comprising terminal attaching means for attachment to a support, said enclosing case having means for being opened and closed, each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means normally lying within said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in closed condition, each of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means being free to be moved out of said enclosing case when said enclosing case is in open condition so that the terminal attaching means of one of said two independent safetyconvenience attaching means can be attached to a support for holding said carrying case securely in place at' the same time that the terminal attaching Ymeans of the other of said two independent safety-convenience attaching means can be attached to another support and act as a safety feature in preventing loss of said carrying case from either theft or forgetfulness.

l, 5. Al safety-convenience carrying case device as de fined in claim 1v nwhich said terminal attachingy means comprises a clamp for attachment to a support.A

, 6. A- safetylconvenience carrying case device as defined in claim 2 in which said terminal attaching means comprises a clamp for attachment to a support.

7. A safety-convenience carrying case device as definedv in claim 3 in which at least one of said terminal attaching means comprises a clamp for attachment to a support.

k8.1% safety-convenience carrying case device as dcned in c1aim'4 in which at least one of said terminal attaching means comprises a clamp for attachment to a support.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Stevens Dec. 10, Tebbut Jan. 11, Hohmann Oct. 17, Oyler Feb. 17, Von Schroeder Dec. 15, Felton June 30, Montero June 14, Meyers Mar. 17,

FOREIGN PATENTS France 1 Nov. 27, Italy Apr. 27, 

